Great tips for entering your "Work/Activities" for AMCAS

[johncalvin]

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So I decided to group my 3 shadowing experiences in "Other..."

However, how should I do the dates? One of my shadowing was in May 2008, another in May 2009, and the 3rd one this week (June 2009).

I don't want to put May 2008 - June 2009. That's slightly deceiving.

On a similar note, which physician's "First Name" and "Last Name" should I use? One of the physicians was not even in this country, so how should I do this?

Thanks!

 

[mdfacs]

how are you listing scholarships/awards, what kind of description are you including?

 

[gujuDoc]

So I decided to group my 3 shadowing experiences in "Other..."

However, how should I do the dates? One of my shadowing was in May 2008, another in May 2009, and the 3rd one this week (June 2009).

I don't want to put May 2008 - June 2009. That's slightly deceiving.

On a similar note, which physician's "First Name" and "Last Name" should I use? One of the physicians was not even in this country, so how should I do this?

Thanks!

Just say Dr. and whatever their last name is. you can specify where they were and the exact date periods in the description. Leave the dates up top blank.

 

[LAman10]

Just say Dr. and whatever their last name is. you can specify where they were and the exact date periods in the description. Leave the dates up top blank.

is it necessary to include the doctor's name?

 

[gujuDoc]

is it necessary to include the doctor's name?

You know I'm not sure that it is.

 

[Ricegrad05]

For categorizing purposes:

Does a mechanical engineering senior design project = "research/lab"?

We designed and built a plane (5 foot wingspan) and competed in the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Aero competition. Or should I put this under "other"? I don't have any traditional scientific research.

 

[gujuDoc]

For categorizing purposes:

Does a mechanical engineering senior design project = "research/lab"?

We designed and built a plane (5 foot wingspan) and competed in the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Aero competition. Or should I put this under "other"? I don't have any traditional scientific research.

it is a project but it doesn't sound like you were researching something so I'd put it as other.

 

[witness23]

I agree with other.

 

[gujuDoc]

how are you listing scholarships/awards, what kind of description are you including?

Just put what the scholarship was for i.e. did you earn it for having done community service, was it to sponsor a research project, i.e. what the criteria was for getting it/who was sponsoring it.

You could also show how competitive it was as more competitive scholarships look better then smething everyone in the university gets.

awards, just describe what the award was awarded for, what you received if there was a cash reward or something like tat, how competitive it was, who gave it.

that's what I'd do.

 

[goat1360]

I will shadow a surgeon in afew weeks and start volunteering in hospital, since I have not started yet, should I mention it in my application?

 

[gujuDoc]

I will shadow a surgeon in afew weeks and start volunteering in hospital, since I have not started yet, should I mention it in my application?

Just send it as an update or mention it in secondaries that give you space to do such.

 

[johncalvin]

Just say Dr. and whatever their last name is. you can specify where they were and the exact date periods in the description. Leave the dates up top blank.

But AMCAS doesn't allow for you to leave the dates blank.

 

[JC2]

I have a research position at the moment in a new lab that I've been in since late May. I plan on submitting my application before I actually know what my project in the lab is. How should I go about this in the description section?

Hate to be a bother but does anyone have any advice here?

 

[johncalvin]

Hate to be a bother but does anyone have any advice here?

Is delaying submitting the application an option? Maybe you can send update letters to schools; just mention that you are now an assistant, formulating a research plan.

 

[guildsman]

Hate to be a bother but does anyone have any advice here?

If you have other laboratory experience then you can probably safely leave this for a follow-up letter to the school. If it is very important for your application to show research, then go ahead and note the general area of research. It might make more sense just to send an update letter though.

 

[gujuDoc]

But AMCAS doesn't allow for you to leave the dates blank.

Then put the date range and expain it properly in the description section.

 

[flip26]

I will shadow a surgeon in afew weeks and start volunteering in hospital, since I have not started yet, should I mention it in my application?

No, and if it is the only such experiences you will have had, you will have a very poor app cycle.

The purpose of these activities is to inform you about medicine. These are not "check off the box" activities - they should come before you apply, not after.

 

[spyderefs]

I received a fellowship to fund a research project in a neurobio lab (I had to apply, write my proposal and be selected for the fellowship).

Do I separate the fellowship as an award, and research in separate slots?

 

[gujuDoc]

I received a fellowship to fund a research project in a neurobio lab (I had to apply, write my proposal and be selected for the fellowship).

Do I separate the fellowship as an award, and research in separate slots?

You can and I would but you don't have to. But since this seems selective I'd list the fellowship as an award and use the resear/lab tab to describe your research.

 

[alibai3ah]

When inputting shadowing, do people just write the doctor's name and hours......or give more detail like patients they saw/treatments given?

I was writing my summaries out, but I just feel like ad comms won't care to hear about what each patient had and what the doctor did......

 

[gujuDoc]

When inputting shadowing, do people just write the doctor's name and hours......or give more detail like patients they saw/treatments given?

I was writing my summaries out, but I just feel like ad comms won't care to hear about what each patient had and what the doctor did......

No Just list the types of doctors you shadowed, where, when, how long you did. that's all I did.

 

[G1SG2]

Last summer and winter break, I worked about 20 hrs/week teaching classes at the American Red Cross. I am also teaching this summer, but only around 7-8 hours per week because of the MCAT. How should I list this activity? Should I put 20 hours, and then explain in the description that I am still teaching, but only 7-8 hours per week because of MCAT prep?

 

[gujuDoc]

Last summer and winter break, I worked about 20 hrs/week teaching classes at the American Red Cross. I am also teaching this summer, but only around 7-8 hours per week because of the MCAT. How should I list this activity? Should I put 20 hours, and then explain in the description that I am still teaching, but only 7-8 hours per week because of MCAT prep?

Or you could say (20+8)/2 = 14 hours per week. An average of both summers. Then explain further and properly in the description below. Same with the dates. Explain the dates better in the description below.

 

[G1SG2]

Or you could say (20+8)/2 = 14 hours per week. An average of both summers. Then explain further and properly in the description below. Same with the dates. Explain the dates better in the description below.

Got it. Also, would this activity be categorized as Community Service/Volunteer-Medical/Clinical or EC, since it involves health and safety courses (cpr/first aid)??

 

[gujuDoc]

Got it. Also, would this activity be categorized as Community Service/Volunteer-Medical/Clinical or EC, since it involves health and safety courses (cpr/first aid)??

LizzyM would probably need to answer this one. I'm not sure to be honest with you. PM her and see what she says. I would think its med clinical but then again you are not treating or working directly with patients so in that sense it wold be more comm. svc. but like I said LizzyM would be the better one to ask on this one.

 

[G1SG2]

LizzyM would probably need to answer this one. I'm not sure to be honest with you. PM her and see what she says. I would think its med clinical but then again you are not treating or working directly with patients so in that sense it wold be more comm. svc. but like I said LizzyM would be the better one to ask on this one.

Okay, will do. One last thing about this activity-would it be better to mention that I'm working reduced hours at the red cross due to other volunteer activities (which I have listed separately in the work/activity section), or because of MCAT prep (since they know I am taking it in July)?

 

[gujuDoc]

Okay, will do. One last thing about this activity-would it be better to mention that I'm working reduced hours at the red cross due to other volunteer activities (which I have listed separately in the work/activity section), or because of MCAT prep (since they know I am taking it in July)?

No, no need to say why you are working reduced hours.

As it is, it will be evident from your MCAT score date when they get your MCAT score and from the dates of other volunteer activities.

 

[scoutnj19]

This thread has been incredibly helpful... But I have a few questions for anyone who might be able to help me out...

I graduated in 2007 with a BA in Communications and for the past two years have been doing full-time post-bacc coursework to meet pre-reqs... So, I have enough 'stuff' to fill more than 15 spaces...

How far back should I go? I mean, I worked summers at the US Military Academy at West Point doing supply logistics and such while doing my original undergrad... Should I include this?

While completing my Comm. degree I worked for the student newspaper and eventually became the sports editor there... I was involved in layout, copy editing, managing other writers, etc... I'm assuming I should combine these two into one EC?

Also, I volunteered for a year and a half with the American Diabetes Association... My wife worked as a manager for a few of their fundraising walks and other events... I helped out, speaking with many of the participants, doing some accounting/book-keeping, marketing, etc... I'm thinking of including this, as it taught me a lot about advocacy and the like...

Finally... I know it's important to include one or two ECs that help adcomms understand that the applicant is more than just a work/volunteer/study-aholic... I've played pickup basketball since I was young... Played intramurals in college and play in an adult pick-up setting now... Can I include this? Or, would this be a better use... My wife and I love to landscape... The house we currently live in had a front and back yard in dire need of some TLC when we moved here last summer... Over the months, we've done a lot of planting, hardscaping, seeding, rock-work, and we are currently building a patio and pergola in the back... Would that be better?

Sorry to be so long-winded... I would just rather be as complete as possible and pre-empt further posts from me...

Thanks!

 

[elyswim]

This thread has been incredibly helpful... But I have a few questions for anyone who might be able to help me out...

I graduated in 2007 with a BA in Communications and for the past two years have been doing full-time post-bacc coursework to meet pre-reqs... So, I have enough 'stuff' to fill more than 15 spaces...

How far back should I go? I mean, I worked summers at the US Military Academy at West Point doing supply logistics and such while doing my original undergrad... Should I include this?

While completing my Comm. degree I worked for the student newspaper and eventually became the sports editor there... I was involved in layout, copy editing, managing other writers, etc... I'm assuming I should combine these two into one EC?

Also, I volunteered for a year and a half with the American Diabetes Association... My wife worked as a manager for a few of their fundraising walks and other events... I helped out, speaking with many of the participants, doing some accounting/book-keeping, marketing, etc... I'm thinking of including this, as it taught me a lot about advocacy and the like...

Finally... I know it's important to include one or two ECs that help adcomms understand that the applicant is more than just a work/volunteer/study-aholic... I've played pickup basketball since I was young... Played intramurals in college and play in an adult pick-up setting now... Can I include this? Or, would this be a better use... My wife and I love to landscape... The house we currently live in had a front and back yard in dire need of some TLC when we moved here last summer... Over the months, we've done a lot of planting, hardscaping, seeding, rock-work, and we are currently building a patio and pergola in the back... Would that be better?

Sorry to be so long-winded... I would just rather be as complete as possible and pre-empt further posts from me...

Thanks!

2007 is relatively recent so I would include things you did in undergrad especially if they were particularly meaningful and character building. In terms of extra hobbies, I would only include things that are relatively organized, so intramurals sounds good since that is organized and you had a team, but if you just play pick up basketball with your friends I might avoid that (same with the landscaping)

just my opinion.

 

[gujuDoc]

This thread has been incredibly helpful... But I have a few questions for anyone who might be able to help me out...

I graduated in 2007 with a BA in Communications and for the past two years have been doing full-time post-bacc coursework to meet pre-reqs... So, I have enough 'stuff' to fill more than 15 spaces...

How far back should I go? I mean, I worked summers at the US Military Academy at West Point doing supply logistics and such while doing my original undergrad... Should I include this?

While completing my Comm. degree I worked for the student newspaper and eventually became the sports editor there... I was involved in layout, copy editing, managing other writers, etc... I'm assuming I should combine these two into one EC?


Also, I volunteered for a year and a half with the American Diabetes Association... My wife worked as a manager for a few of their fundraising walks and other events... I helped out, speaking with many of the participants, doing some accounting/book-keeping, marketing, etc... I'm thinking of including this, as it taught me a lot about advocacy and the like...

Finally... I know it's important to include one or two ECs that help adcomms understand that the applicant is more than just a work/volunteer/study-aholic... I've played pickup basketball since I was young... Played intramurals in college and play in an adult pick-up setting now... Can I include this? Or, would this be a better use... My wife and I love to landscape... The house we currently live in had a front and back yard in dire need of some TLC when we moved here last summer... Over the months, we've done a lot of planting, hardscaping, seeding, rock-work, and we are currently building a patio and pergola in the back... Would that be better?

Sorry to be so long-winded... I would just rather be as complete as possible and pre-empt further posts from me...

Thanks!

You can include anything that has been done post high school even if you are like much older and out of college for a few years. But definitely include that which you've done most recently or within the last 5 years. If you have too many things, pick and choose what is most important to showing who you are and marketing yourself to medical schools.

You can include the jobs as employment military, include the newspaper job as employment but emphasize how it also taught you leadership skills,


The diabetes thing should be listed as community service non medical since you were not actually directly interacting with patients in a healthcare setting but it is still noteworthy involvement you've listed and adcoms love community service normal kind as well.

Include both the landscaping and the basketball. show that you played intramural and then did the group but put it in the same thing together. If you were just shooting hoops a few times with friends it wouldn't be worth it. Intramurals is worth it to list and was done in college. Group the pick up team with the intramurals rather then listing it separately so that will not make it look less legitimate and more like a continuation of a previous activity.

 

[G1SG2]

If we're part of a student organization, are we expected to list the president's name as the "contact"? Or somebody from the dept. of student life/campus activities, something of the like?

 

[LizzyM]

My wife and I love to landscape... The house we currently live in had a front and back yard in dire need of some TLC when we moved here last summer... Over the months, we've done a lot of planting, hardscaping, seeding, rock-work, and we are currently building a patio and pergola in the back...

Thanks!

I love this one. Not something we see very often...

 

[gujuDoc]

I love this one. Not something we see very often...

LizzyM,

I agree I think this is a good one. did you see our post earlier asking whether or not Red Cross volunteering is clinical or non clinical volunteering?

 

[LizzyM]

LizzyM,

I agree I think this is a good one. did you see our post earlier asking whether or not Red Cross volunteering is clinical or non clinical volunteering?

I think someone PM'ed me about teaching CPR as a Red Cross volunteer. I think it is a toss up whether you'd call that clinical or non-clinical... it is not a clinical setting (my new definition is that is a place where someone is writing a prescription or could do so if appropriate), but teaching someone to revive a person in cardiac or pulmonary arrest.... seems like teaching people to provide clinical care...no?

 

[gujuDoc]

I think someone PM'ed me about teaching CPR as a Red Cross volunteer. I think it is a toss up whether you'd call that clinical or non-clinical... it is not a clinical setting (my new definition is that is a place where someone is writing a prescription or could do so if appropriate), but teaching someone to revive a person in cardiac or pulmonary arrest.... seems like teaching people to provide clinical care...no?

Yah that's why I was unsure what to tell them. I guess they PM'd you and i didn't realize it. That's why I asked you again here.

 

[Sleight]

So does anyone have any suggestions on how I know whether I have been writing good descriptions? I want to find someone to read it and say its good or its not...any suggestions?

 

[gujuDoc]

So does anyone have any suggestions on how I know whether I have been writing good descriptions? I want to find someone to read it and say its good or its not...any suggestions?

Send me a PM and I'll give you my email address and do what I did for a couple of other people on here and review it for you.

 

[red10]

Quick Question:

I belong to a Potters Club (as in working with clay). Its just a hobby thats very relaxing for me and something I enjoy doing. I think I'd like to put it on my application as an activity just to show that I'm at least a little well rounded and I do something other than pre-med stuff and working.
1)is there any reason i shouldn't put this on there?
2)would i list it under Artistic Endeavors or Hobbies/EC?

thanks

 

[witness23]

Quick Question:

I belong to a Potters Club (as in working with clay). Its just a hobby thats very relaxing for me and something I enjoy doing. I think I'd like to put it on my application as an activity just to show that I'm at least a little well rounded and I do something other than pre-med stuff and working.
1)is there any reason i shouldn't put this on there?
2)would i list it under Artistic Endeavors or Hobbies/EC?

thanks

put it down. it seems like a unique and relaxing hobby. i would list it under artistic endeavors but hobbies/ec could be just as fitting. good luck

 

[msd848]

1. I have put multiple things and labeled it as one activity so I can list more activities I have involved in. For example, I have shadowed two different doctors, and I put them under a category of Shadowing so I could fit other activities out of the 15. Is this a good idea?

2. How many of you are actually filling up 1325 characters? I feel like half of them I can't write more than 700 characters, just wanted to see how everyone else is doing on it.

 

[gujuDoc]

1. I have put multiple things and labeled it as one activity so I can list more activities I have involved in. For example, I have shadowed two different doctors, and I put them under a category of Shadowing so I could fit other activities out of the 15. Is this a good idea?

2. How many of you are actually filling up 1325 characters? I feel like half of them I can't write more than 700 characters, just wanted to see how everyone else is doing on it.

write only as much as you need to sell yourself to the best of your capabilities. Be concise like the persons who I just looked over activities descriptions for.

Unlike the PS which you almost need most of the characters for, the activities can technically be described in less then half the characters if you are just giving bullet points. Usually research ones are the ones that involve a bit more in terms of description or when you group multiple activities and therefore require more space. Otherwise no you do not need to fill all the characters if you can say what you need to in less. Just 5 years ago the activities description section was only 500 characters, so I'm sure adcoms will understand.

yes it is ok to group shadowing. If you have no choice grouping is ok but for things like research lab work, research posters, research publications, if there is space it is better to list the different aspects of research separately. There are some situations where if you have different positions in a organization in different years i.e. one year member, and the next an officer position, where you might want to list separately unless again you are crunched for space.

 

[zerial]

Thanks so much if anyone has an opinion on this:

I want to list this as something like "Entrepreneurship" but I'm not sure if it seems like padding. My brother and I had an electronics repair/maintenance service on Craig's List for several months. We also sold things, so we had to do things like manage supply/demand. 10-15 clients per month, ended up making ~$2000 in a summer.

Is this significant enough to list?

 

[G1SG2]

Hey, who should we put down as a contact for clubs/organizations? The president?

 

[gujuDoc]

put it down. It seems like a unique and relaxing hobby. I would list it under artistic endeavors but hobbies/ec could be just as fitting. Good luck

agreed!!!

 

[gujuDoc]

Hey, who should we put down as a contact for clubs/organizations? The president?

that's what i did. alternatively you ca put the advisor's name in there.

 

[gujuDoc]

Thanks so much if anyone has an opinion on this:

I want to list this as something like "Entrepreneurship" but I'm not sure if it seems like padding. My brother and I had an electronics repair/maintenance service on Craig's List for several months. We also sold things, so we had to do things like manage supply/demand. 10-15 clients per month, ended up making ~$2000 in a summer.

Is this significant enough to list?

Yah I'd put it on there if I were you and felt it significant enough. it seems like its worth putting on there.

 

[G1SG2]

that's what i did. alternatively you ca put the advisor's name in there.

Yeah, that's what I have down right now, I think I'll leave it as it is.

Also, since I rescheduled my MCAT to July, I have been on a leave of absence for most of May (I'm back at work now-I just thought I was going to be done with the MCAT in June)-should I mention this in my work/activities section...? If I do, do I have to explain my rescheduling/why I was on a leave of absence?

 

[witness23]

Yeah, that's what I have down right now, I think I'll leave it as it is.

Also, since I rescheduled my MCAT to July, I have been on a leave of absence for most of May (I'm back at work now-I just thought I was going to be done with the MCAT in June)-should I mention this in my work/activities section...? If I do, do I have to explain my rescheduling/why I was on a leave of absence?

you are talking about a leave of absence from work, right? If so, I do not think it warrants an explanation. However, if you are talking about your education, you may have to answer the question in a different section or in the secondaries.

 

[G1SG2]

you are talking about a leave of absence from work, right? If so, I do not think it warrants an explanation. However, if you are talking about your education, you may have to answer the question in a different section or in the secondaries.

Yeah, from work, not from school. But I should tell them why in interviews, if they potentially ask me, right? I just don't want to be looked down on because I rescheduled.

 

[gujuDoc]

Yeah, from work, not from school. But I should tell them why in interviews, if they potentially ask me, right? I just don't want to be looked down on because I rescheduled.

If they ask; something of which I doubt they will. 🙂 😉